As one who enjoys kitchen experimentation, I have always sought-out the finest ingredients for the baked-goods I create. Many youthful hours spent assisting mom in the kitchen at gunpoint (just kidding!) taught me that there are instinctive cooks who forge-ahead without fear in their quest for the new and different. With practice comes confidence and consistency. My dessert and main-dish disasters have become fewer through the years, with the triumphs vastly outweighing the terrors.

A grasp of the basics gave way to the age of refinement. A televised Julia Child taught me how to separate, fold and blanch with the best of them. Over the years as more enlightened nutrition standards evolve, healthy substitutions have become a necessity; excess butter and sugar are out, but the richness and full-bodied flavor achieved through the addition of pure vanilla will always prevail.

“How’s your vanilla bean, lately . . ?”

Ever wonder why the desserts at most upscale restaurants are so memorable? Pastry chefs are concerned with taste buds, not waistlines. While it doesn’t hurt to indulge now and then, a steady diet of rich foods will eventually take its toll on your health and perhaps even your self-esteem.

In pursuit of heavenly confections . . .

One of my favorite activities around the holidays is the construction of desserts that not only present well and taste good, but are also healthy to consume. The famous Kingfish Vanilla Cake uses Smart Beat™ cholesterol-free margarine and 2/3 cup sugar (modified from the standard 1 1/4 cup or more called for in similar recipes). To further cut the calories, plain non-fat yogurt stands-in for whole milk. With all this compromise in the name of better health, I find the addition of Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract lends a vanilla flavor so full, clean and rich, one would never guess the burden of sacrifice imposed by the cook for the sake of maintaining the girlish figures of my honored guests.

MadaGAScar Bourbon - Cheaper than Gasoline!

Did you know that vanilla originated in Mexico and that most vanilla extracts are derived from orchids grown in Madagascar and Indonesia? Neither did I until I read the free history lesson provided by the label on my 8 ounce bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract. To enhance the old-fashioned period effect (whether by intention or thrift), the plain ivory label and brown tinted bottle with screw-on cap lend a rather historically apothecary look; somewhat resembling an antique medicine bottle.

“Why not the store-bought kind?”

I was perfectly pleased with the standard grocery fare placed before me until I experienced the true vanilla flavor and aroma of pure vanilla extract. Chain store-sourced name-brand or generic vanilla extracts seem harsh and almost bitter by comparison. An additional factor is the price - a one ounce bottle of supermarket vanilla can cost upward of $3.50 (US) where I shop. An 8 ounce bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract sells for $19.95 at the King Arthur Baker’s Catalogue on-line store - an $8.00 savings for an equal amount of a superior product.

“Where again, exactly, may I extract this vanilla?”

Most of my baking needs are fulfilled by the Baker’s Catalogue. An on-line search confirms that the Nielsen-Massey line of vanilla extracts is also available through Williams-Sonoma and similar gourmet food emporiums.

“And there are no moving parts to wear-out or break!”

As the label states: “Our exclusive cold-process method extracts the essence from select vanilla pods, the finest obtainable, producing rich and delicious flavor that is unsurpassed. USE AND ENJOY!”

Contains: Water, Alcohol, Sugar, Vanilla Bean extractives.

As a vanilla and a chocolate person (does this make me a biflavinoid?), I recommend the Madagascar Bourbon variety of vanilla as an alternative to lesser brands. If you like to bake (and appreciate compliments), whip-up a batch of homemade vanilla ice cream to serve atop your Madagascar Bourbon chocolate-chip vanilla cupcakes. Don’t have the recipe? Do like I do and make one up!

Seeing that a little pure vanilla benefits your baked-goods in a big way, this review qualifies for The Best LITTLE Write-Off Ever! hosted by dianapinions.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, Inc.
Waukegan, IL 60085
nielsenmassey.com

Recommended: Yes